Football Season Guide

The Baggies had a rather smooth ride in the Premiership last season under Roy Hodgson, who put them back into shape since taking the reins in January of the previous season. The new England boss did a great job and his successor Steve Clarke finds a side looking forward to another good season in the top flight. West Brom have developed the habit in seasons gone by of being promoted to the Premier League, only to go back down straight after but they seem to have found their range now. Steve Clark has been treading rather careful in the transfer market so far with only three signings, though each of them looks an inspired one to make up for the departures of Nicky Shorey, Joe Mattock and Keith Andrews. Indeed, Argentian deep midfielder Claudio Yacob looks a great addition to the squad while playmaker Yassine El Ghanassy, on loan from Gent, should provide a good alternative to Chris Brunt, who has had a number of injury problems recently, in offensive midfield. In the attack, Steve Clarke has secured the signing on a free of striker Markus Rosenberg. The Swede's arrival could open the way for a move for Peter Odemwingie while Shane Long should remain at the Hawthorns. Besides with the barn-storming Romelu Lukaku signing on loan from Chelsea, the Baggies now look well equipped upfront for the season. Elsewhere, most of the personel from last season should return, ensuring a certain degree of stability to the Baggies squad and their style of play. In defence, Jonas Olsonn and Gareth McAuley have proved a solid central defensive unit and should return with Liam Ridgewell and Billy Jones at full backs. The experienced Steven Reid, who missed most of the past season due to injury, should look to reclaim a starting spot on the right side. Meanwhile, the loan deal of keeper Ben Foster has been made permanent so he will return between the sticks, with Boaz Myhill and Luke Daniels for back up. In midfield, Yousuf Mulumbu should return this season along with James Morrison, Graham Dorrans and Jerome Thomas.